The suspect in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting has been identified as a California teacher.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California is the alleged shooter who opened fire at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night.
The educator from the Los Angeles area faces firearms and assault charges after he allegedly breached a security checkpoint and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement.
Police revealed the suspect had a number of weapons on him including a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
President Trump shared a stunning image shortly after the shooting, showing the suspect shirtless and lying face down on the carpet.
Law enforcement confirmed he was not struck by gunfire while being stopped but has since been taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Itis understood Allen may have been a guest at the Hilton hotel where the event was taking place.
Surveillance video shows the suspect sprinting past a security checkpoint and attempting to reach the doors to the ballroom where the president was gathered along with his most senior cabinet members and thousands of journalists.
President Donald Trump posted a photo of the alleged shooter on Saturday night, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California
Allen is accused of opening fire at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night while the president and his cabinet were in attendance
Agents stand guard after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner shooting
During a press conference, Trump described him as ‘a sick person, a very sick person.’
‘He’s a lone wolf, a whack job. These are crazy people. Sick, sick people.’
The suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second crime of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for Washington, DC, said. Pirro said he will be arraigned on Monday in federal court.
‘It is clear, based upon what we know so far, this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could,’ Pirro said.
‘There will be many more charges based upon the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation,’ Pirro added.
The suspect was ‘tackled to the ground’ and handcuffed by law enforcement, Jeffrey Carroll, interim chief of police for the Metropolitan Police Department, said.
Carroll explained the suspect was not struck by gunfire in the altercation, but did exchange shots with an officer who was struck.
Wolf Blitzer, who was inside the venue and just feet away from the shooter, told CNN the suspect was armed with a ‘major weapon’ and fired around six shots.
Agents rushed to secure the room and evacuate President Trump, who had been preparing to deliver remarks.
President Donald Trump speaks, flanked by FBI Director Kash Patel and US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, during a press briefing at the White House shortly after the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Trump held a press briefing at the White House with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth by his side
The suspect was caught on surveillance footage sprinting past a security checkpoint and headed straight for the ballroom where thousands of journalists were gathered for the annual event
Agents leapt into action as the suspect streaked past. A Secret Service Agent was shot during the incident but is expected to survive
Guests were told to take cover as Secret Service agents stormed the ballroom
Security officials evacuate U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson as a shooter opens fire
At one point, the president stumbled briefly, appearing to trip, before being helped up and escorted off stage.
From one corner of the room, a spontaneous chant of ‘God Bless America’ broke out as the evacuation unfolded.
Among those in attendance were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio – all of whom were safely removed from the venue.
Authorities say there were no immediate reports of additional injuries beyond the Secret Service agent who was shot but partly protected by a bullet proof vest.
Outside, the response intensified rapidly. Law enforcement and Secret Service personnel flooded the area, while members of the National Guard took up positions inside the building.
Guests were allowed to leave but were prevented from re-entering as security teams swept the premises.
The suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second crime of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for Washington, DC, said
Secret Service Agents are seen responding to the active shooter
Officers assist guests to exit during the White House Correspondents Dinner
Organizers initially considered resuming the dinner, but officials ultimately decided to cancel the event
The White House released a statement confirming a suspect was in custody.
‘The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.’
Shortly after being evacuated, Trump also posted a message on his Truth Social platform praising the response.
‘Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.’
Organizers initially considered resuming the dinner, but officials ultimately decided to cancel the event.
